We see a convincing demonstration of this, in the fine and costly model of Stonehenge, which Your Lordship introduces in the garden at Wilton; where, I may be bold to say, it shines amidst the splendours of Inigo Jones’s architecture; amidst what he did there in person, and what Your Lordship has since added, so agreeable to the former, as to render the design of that great genius complete.
So uncommon and unconfin’d is Your Lordship’s knowledge in architecture, particularly, that Great Britain beholds a bridge arising, chiefly under Your direction, superior to any the Roman power produc’d at the height of empire. And Thames, which so lately rescu’d the Danube from gallic tyranny, boasts of a nobler ornament than that which Trajan built across that famous river.
That commendable ardour of mind, which in Your younger years led you to study men and manners, places and things, in foreign countries, you now employ for the good of Your own; in the exercise of civil and military arts. Your Lordship tempers that love of liberty, which is the glory of government, with that just allegiance to the sovereign, which is the security of all; so as to give us a view of that amiable character of ancient english nobility, which adorns every page of british history. Permit me the honour to profess myself
Your Lordship’s
most faithful, and
most obedient
humble servant,
January 1, 1742-3.
William Stukeley.